Santa Bárbara Square
The project to renovate the Plaza de Santa Bárbara was the result of a prize-winning architectural competition. It is part of a larger-scale operation aimed at transforming a dense central area of Madrid. In addition to the urban design of the public square, the overall proposal includes the construction of a new mixed use building including the new Barceló market to substitute the existing one, a temporary market, a sporting complex, and a public library as well as other services. The project defines a large pedestrian green area, with recreation equipment for children and adults, and walking zones. Vehicle traffic has been reduced by eliminating one of the previously existing streets. Large granite paving stones alternate with other surfaces in a pentagonal geometric pattern, -similar to the forms of the newly built Barceló Temporary Market-, which incorporate lawn-covered areas, games and leisure precincts, boardwalks and a small glass pavilion serving as a book and flower shop. The new street furniture forms part of an integrated urban design and landscape concept that will link the Plaza Santa Bárbara with the neighbouring streets around the future mixed use building in construction.
Enrique Sobejano
Fuensanta Nieto
